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T O P I C R E V I E W

Castel

Can someone share Bob Crippen's signing habits? I was hoping he would complete an STS-1 cover as I already have John Young's signature on it.

capoetc

Doing a crew completion might be risky... are you willing to lose the John Young autograph if it doesn't come back?

I would send Crippen a letter asking if he would be willing to sign your cover, and send a self-addressed stamped post card for him to return his answer to you. If he says yes, then send your cover to him along with a return-posted envelope for him to mail it back.

RocketmanRob

I had a great experience getting at multi-signed shuttle photo signed by Bob Crippen. As was suggested, I wrote to him first to ask for permission (Self-addressed/stamped return form letter). Received a positive response and had my photo within a few weeks of writing.

Regardless of whether the item is valuable or not, I would suggest writing first and asking them if they are open to it.

vamanboatin

I would like to send my "Morning Launch" by Kim Poor to Bob Crippen to sign.

I wanted opinions on where to ask Captain Crippen to sign it. I was thinking either under John Young or on the right side of the shuttle. Young signed with both STS-1 and STS-9.

Any opinions if I should ask Captain Crippen to sign with just STS-1 or all his flights?

Nigel Mc

How much does he charge?

Tykeanaut

quote:Originally posted by vamanboatin:Any opinions if I should ask Captain Crippen to sign with just STS-1 or all his flights?

As John Young has put both his flights on I would ask Bob Crippen if he could do the same.

Fra Mauro

I sent him a postcard and a book to sign (picture highlighted) and he signed and returned it within a few weeks. However, make sure you send return postage.

dogcrew5369

It's been a long time, but I sent him a SpaceShots card and he sent it back signed fairly quickly. Good luck. I too would be careful sending a John Young autograph through the mail.

garyd2831

It's a chance you will have to take. I spent the asking fee of $495 a couple years back during a Young signing at Novaspace on an STS-1 crew photo. I then sent it with a tracking number at least for one way to make sure it at least got there. A couple of weeks later, there it was in my mail. Take a chance, you only live life once.

capoetc

I would recommend not taking a chance.

For garyd2831: The following is not intended to sound critical of your approach -- I'm just adding my thoughts as a suggestion to perhaps allow the OP a slightly better chance at success.

Instead, write a nice letter to Mr. Crippen first explaining what you would be asking from him and explaining that you would include a self-addressed and stamped return package. Also explain that the item is for your personal collection and would never be sold, and offer that if he feels more comfortable personalizing his signature to you, then that would be ok. And include a stamped self-addressed postcard for him to return to you with his response.

He will likely say "yes", but that is the most polite way (in my opinion) to handle it, and it may make him feel like he has more choice in the matter rather than receiving a "sign here" request out of the blue for an item that will be immediately worth much more money with his signature.

Castel

As the starter of this topic four years ago I would have to say that Capt. Crippen was incredibly gracious.

I sent him a polite letter (with a SASE) asking if he would sign my STS-1 cover which already had John Young's signature as well as the backup crew's (who would become the crew of STS-2). I asked if he would like a fee or donation made. He promptly replied that he would, with no fee, and asked that I include a SASE.

I didn't ask him to sign in a particular spot. He signed where it was obviously logical.

One of the best signing experiences I've had...

jvertrees

I just sent a SASE letter to Capt Crippen asking to sign a SMEAT beta cloth patch. It was returned saying he will and has no fee. I sent the patch with a NASA portrait Litho with SASE. Both were signed as requested and returned in a 4 business day round trip. The fasted ever and a very nice transaction.

mikelynaugh

I sent Captain Crippen a postcard asking if he would mind signing a copy of an old TIME magazine from February 1981 with a beautiful shot of Columbia on the cover.

I got the postcard back in a few days telling me it was okay to send the issue of TIME.

I sent it down to him, along with a letter. About a week or so later I got the magazine back with a very nice inscription on the cover, and a cool surprise inside. He must have enjoyed looking through the magazine because he went through and autographed above every photo of him in the story. It was so cool finding that, and that he would do that.

What a great experience!

astro-nut

When I met Bob Crippen in 2009 he autographed a shuttle photo for me and was very cool about it. So in person I would say he is good.

englau

I have met him a few times in person and have gotten four items signed. If you ask him to do something specific (nicely!) he will likely do it — he's a really wonderful guy! Obviously, if you ask to sign a bunch of items like the person in front of me with eight, it is awkward (as with anyone, personally) and you will find out there is a limit.

Two weeks ago I mailed Cpt. Crippen a letter asking for a pair of signatures along with a postage paid postcard for him up reply. Last week I got a positive reply from him and I sent off a pair of photos a day later.

Hopefully these make it back soon.

By the way, I had never thought of this way of requesting signatures before. I like that it's a polite way of corresponding.

I am also sending short thank you notes as well. I don't want to be the guy that ruins this for other collectors.

Hart Sastrowardoyo

I used to send letters of inquiry (still do) for items I don't want to lose. That said, I sent a photo to Crippen on 18 Sept 2013 and received it back on the 27th, same month.

sprocketship

Over the weekend, I received the pair of photos that I had sent to Captain Crippen. Both personalized and signed.

Very nice of him to do such a quick turn around on these!

opns93

I had a quick turnaround from him as well. 7 days from mailing to return.